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Am I wrong for wanting to be laid off?
I work at a Fortune 500 company and layoffs in all departments and decisions are underweigh. Each week, people are being let go. In turn, an overwhelming workload are left within the company to pick up –– and it’s getting overwhelming.
While the stress, constant strategy changes, burnout feelings, new request demands are up, the company culture, morale and general happiness within conversations are down. The fact that I’m even asking this question is crazy because I believe I’m generally an optimistic, positive person. I embrace change and look for the good in things -- but each week, more bad news hits.
Four colleagues have already expressed their wishes to be laid off soon and now my mind is going there. I realize this is a very sensitive topic. Millions of people have lost their jobs and are looking, meanwhile I’m asking this question and know I should be thankful for even having a job. But I’m at the tipping point and would love some advice.
Kelley Shields, Career Happiness Coach
Work shouldn't be a 4-letter word.
98
07/05/20 at 5:04PM UTC
You aren't wrong for wanting to be laid off or crazy for asking the question. You're just being honest about what you're feeling! We often have a tendency to beat ourselves up for "not just being grateful" to have a job - I call it "gratitude shaming." (I can send you a link to a podcast on this if you like!)
One question that might be worth spending some time reflecting on is how you really, honestly were feeling about your job before the recent layoffs. If you actually really liked it and were really happy, then maybe how you're feeling is temporary and it would be possible to find some ways to establish boundaries or manage upwards to get through this time, until the situation improves.
But maybe you weren't happy before and this is just what has pushed you to the point where you aren't able to just ignore it anymore. That's really important to listen to - because your body won't let you ignore that forever! It's going to keep making sure you are listening, and the best thing you can do is listen to it and start thinking about making a change, even if it can't happen this second.
I hope this helps, and either way, consider not doing it alone! A great coach or therapist can help you figure out what it is you want to do, and how to make it happen. (A friend can be a great person to turn to, but is more likely to have their own fears and baggage that they bring into what they are discussing with you.)
Good luck!
Palanda BrownlowCorporate Attorney
25
07/01/20 at 10:39PM UTC
You're not wrong at all. The fact that you're feeling that way is a sign that something is broken. So, the next questions are, "What exactly is broken? Can it be fixed? Do you want to fix it? And, is it worth fixing?" These are questions that only you can answer. I can say that, as someone who has been through previous bouts of unemployment due to the economy, being unemployed even with a great severance is scary. But, it's not the end of the world. And, though it does come with its fair share of anxieties and difficulties, so does continuing to work in a place that drains you. So, if you decide that your current job is no longer worth it for you, start planning now by saving your coins, activating your networks, and doing the work to land you your next great opportunity. Good luck!
Cassie McGlynnOffice Ninja Extraordinaire
55
06/29/20 at 6:49PM UTC (Edited)
You are not wrong for wanting to be laid off! In March I had to start working from home full time (yes - had to - I would have much rather preferred to be laid off) with two preschool aged children and no reduction in work hours or work load. Children that age are very needy and not independent learners so things got super stressful very quickly. After 5 weeks, my husbands company finally allowed their guys to take a lay off. Construction is seen as essential where we are so they never officially closed. Three months later, I regret not taking some kind of leave.
On another note, my mother has been wishing for a lay off in her company. After a merger, the new owners have been stringing her along so they don't have to pay her severance package. The latest is they make her work on her vacation - she's supposed to work one week on and have the following week off but because they laid off so many people, she doesn't actually get to take any time off. For the past 3 years, they promise her a lay off that's never going to happen. It's heartbreaking to watch. She's holding out for a severance package that will never come.
We all have our reasons and my advice to you is trust your gut. Discomfort is how we grow and learn new things but, you know your boundaries - set them and stick by them.
Anonymous
06/29/20 at 5:54PM UTC
Are the challenges you are dealing with currently (heavier workload, more stress) short term or has it always been like that? While COVID is a difficult time for many of us and not the norm - we need to remember that this might just be a short term scenario. If you loved your job before COVID, consider that likely in 6-12 months it could go back to pre-coronavirus normalcy. In the meanwhile - start looking for another job that you might find more satisfying. However, I agree with many of the others on this thread - unless you have a great severance package or strong finances to keep you afloat, you might just need to grin and bear it. Finally - don't be afraid to talk to your performance manager. Let that person know you are burning out with all the extra work and that you need at least a short-term reprieve to more normal capacity levels. Good luck!
Anonymous
06/27/20 at 4:47PM UTC
I don’t know if this helps but I felt the same. My work was busy, stressful, and it was hard to handle at times. I was put on a temporary layoff and I felt/ feel so relieved - Like I put down a heavy box I’d been carrying for years. Working, especially during this time, is challenging. Being short staffed and the outside stress of COVID and other events make things even harder. So, no, I’m my opinion you aren’t crazy. It sounds like you are burning out. Take care of yourself!
Chloe Nguyen
96
06/27/20 at 3:25PM UTC
You don't need to be laid off to be happier or make changes! The only benefit of being laid off is that you'd have more time to job search, but if that is your only option (and there is no option to increase morale at your current position), prioritize the job search now. It's easier to find a job when you have a job.
Anonymous
06/26/20 at 3:54PM UTC
You are not wrong to feel this way and if a layoff comes you will be able to look at it as a blessing. However, after a few months of unemployment, as you watch your savings dwindle and your health insurance costs skyrocket, you will find that you have changed one awful situation for another. It's soul-crushing and terrifying to be unemployed. The job search has changed drastically in the last couple of years and is now almost completely de-humanized. Before you get laid off, get busy trying to find another job. And in case you don't get laid off, see if you can help your current company correct course or band together with the remaining staff and work towards improving conditions for everyone who's left.
Anonymous
06/26/20 at 3:42PM UTC (Edited)
I would recommend reassessing why you took the position to begin with? Was it for social purposes? Financial? Advancement? Benefits? Enjoy the field of work? What’s changed? Yes, I understand there may be some uncomfortable changes going on in your organization, however the reality is, throughout most adults’ careers, these economic downturns and organizational changes are going to happen several times. Instead of escaping it, try looking at it through a different lens. How can you use this as a time to grow professionally by working outside your comfort zone? Take this opportunity to step up and ask your leadership, how you can help. Chances are they may not know right now, but I can tell you for certain a good leader is always looking for someone who is proactive and willing to help problem solve. I’m just winding down my 30+ years in the finance field. As I look back over those years, I can tell you from experience, the times I grew most in my professional career (and life), was when a curve ball was thrown at me I chose to hang in there and not back away from situations unfamiliar to me, or for which I was outside my comfort zone. During one of my first job, I had a boss who told me a very simple statement that took me years to understand. He said, “If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.” Over the years, I’ve come to understand I can choose to take the easy road or push myself to be better. Now, you are at one of those crossroads in life and can consider those same words. What you choose to do with this information is entirely up to you. Good luck.
Susan SmoterBurning desire to make the working world better
1.46k
06/26/20 at 2:31PM UTC
I was working for a company that let people in my position go without warning, suddenly out of the blue... it changed our entire group dynamic to one where we were more concerned about being walked out the door than doing our jobs. It was horrible. The worse part was we had a top team that was making a difference, but the leadership didn't appreciate our value. I loved what I was doing, but that sword hanging over my head forced me to leave on my own before they took me out. Others are also leaving. It's very sad and it is soul crushing to go through. I wish you luck getting laid off, but I have never felt its a good thing to need a job. I would recommend finding a job and then leaving.
Anonymous
06/26/20 at 2:12PM UTC
Nope, you're not crazy. I've been there too. If you're lucky enough to get a good severance package and your finances can handle you being out of work for a while, a layoff can be a blessing. This could be the opportunity to find a much better opportunity - life is too short to hate your job!
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